Quantitative Defenses

Definition

Chemical defenses that possess protein-complexing and digestibility reducing abilities such as tannins, resins, and enzyme inhibitors, and which are produced by plants to deter herbivory by insects.

Etymology

Example

Quantitative defenses are produced in high concentrations in plant tissue, especially in predictable (long-lasting) plant tissues where they are compartmentalized to protect against autotoxicity problems.

Related Terms

• Tannins
• Resins
• Enzyme Inhibitors
• Herbivory